Republican nominee for Harris County District Attorney, Mike Anderson, walks up to a voting location at Briargrove Elementary School Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Houston. Anderson is running against Democrat Lloyd Oliver.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Republican nominee for Harris County District Attorney, Mike...

Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson recused his office from the case because his wife, Devon Anderson, is involved with the defense. Two special prosecutors have been appointed.

Houston's criminal justice community was rocked back on its heels Thursday after Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson informed his staff that he is battling cancer.

"I have great doctors and am undergoing treatment. I fully intend to beat this," he said in a brief email sent Thursday and signed "Mike."

"Many people have asked how they can help me. I would ask that you keep me and my family in your prayers and continue to do the great work that you're doing to make this the best DA's office in these United States."

Sara Marie Kinney, a spokeswoman for the office, released the email and said no other details would be provided, including the type of cancer and how long the elected district attorney has had it. She also did not release any information of whether Anderson would take a leave of absence.

The email stunned staffers, prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers in the tight-knit group of professionals who spar daily in the 37 courtrooms of the criminal courthouse.

The office, which employs 240 attorneys, is the largest district attorney's office in Texas.

Anderson, 57, took office Jan. 1 and was well-known in the courthouse before ousting incumbent Pat Lykos in the GOP primary last year. He spent 12 years as a felony criminal court judge. Before that, he was a prosecutor for 16 years.

His wife, Devon Anderson, is a criminal defense attorney and also a former state district judge. The couple have two children.

There was an immediate outpouring of sympathy for the family from the legal community.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of Mike Anderson's recent diagnosis with cancer," said Todd Dupont, president of Houston's association of defense lawyers, in a prepared statement.

"On behalf of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, I would like the Anderson family to know, without waiver, that the defense bar completely stands behind him and supports him and his loved ones during these trying times. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to him returning to the courthouse."

Rusty Hardin, the legendary courtroom attorney who supported Anderson's candidacy, was shocked by the news.

"I just hate that he's suffering this personal obstacle," Hardin said. "All any of us can do is hope and pray for the best. I hope he gets this licked."